A Guide for First Time Visitors to “Up the River During Qingming”

If you’d rather not steer yourself, you can choose to ride a sedan chair to your destination. Not only are they comfortable and convenient, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the city’s alleys and streetscape along the way. 

Prefer something more spacious? You can also ride in a mule or horse-drawn square litter.

or two-wheeled carts with round or square canopies.

The most striking sight on the river is this large wooden ship carrying a load of cargo. But when traveling on this kind of luxury ship, make sure you take as you pass under bridges! Here, workers labor to push the boat’s barge-poles while coordinating with workers pulling tow-lines from the shore. Under the bridge, people holding soft pads and long poles stand by, ready to help prevent the ship’s hull from colliding with the bridge.

This colorful wooden ship might be beautiful, but don’t rush to board it! Ships with yellow dragon flags and red railed cabin roofs are official imperial property.

Hanging on the door of this building is a sign identifying it as a local inn. The establishment provides accommodation for traveling officials and long-distance travelers alike. Similar to a modern-day motel, guests can rest their mounts in the attached stable overnight. After a night of recovery, they set back off on their journey the following day.

The most popular landmark in Bianjing is easily the Rainbow Bridge. This bustling, arched stone bridge is lined with shops selling candy, stationary, ginseng, cloth, and more. At the foot of the bridge, street vendors sell fish, vegetables, and other food items. When you tire of shopping, pick a roadside stall for street food and the chance to rest your legs.

City Gate

Once you pass through the city gate, you’ve officially entered Bianjing City. The city wall is the first line of defense during an attack. Behind the city gate, to the right, stands a government office with mounted weapons. Signs by the door read “City Defense” and “Spy Interrogation” in order to filter out suspicious people and maintain law and order.

Jinming Lake

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, the emperor’s lake remains quiet within the red walls and yellow roof tiles of the imperial compound. Originally used as a training ground for naval drills, the lake was later converted into a water garden, a site of royal relaxation and recreation.

Open Stage Performance

While visiting scenic spots along the Bian River, don’t miss this performance of the play “The Phoenix Pavilion” from the classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The open air performance attracts crowds from all over, with audience members both standing and sitting to watch the actors.

Taverns

If you’re looking for a drink and carefree conversation, this establishment with a long wine shop sign serves a selection of alcohol. But make sure to drink in moderation! If you end up drinking too much like the man in the painting, you’ll be quite embarrassed.

After enjoying the beautiful scenery and delicious foods of Bianjing, are you interested in taking home souvenirs? In addition to the shops on the Rainbow Bridge, dry goods, candied fruits, and fine wines are available everywhere. Take your pick!

Are those boots hanging from that stall? Yes—just like a signboard! This is a shoe stand, which also offers try-ons. Picking the right pair of shoes for your journey will take you far.

If you consider yourself a hipster or “Wenqing”, don’t miss these two antique stalls! Their dazzling collection of paintings, calligraphy scrolls, bronzes, porcelains, and more is like a mobile museum.

When traveling, it can be hard to avoid discomfort. If you’re traveling with children who are feeling unwell, take them to the city’s pediatrician for help!

This building’s door reads “We make legal medical decoctions to treat illness.” Inside, the staff is sorting out medical ingredients—it’s clear that this store is a pharmacy. In addition to selling Chinese medicine, they also make custom remedies for the sick.

If you’re not cautious during your journey, it’s possible to encounter something horrifying on the road. Those open to alternative medicine may want to consider Zhu You's surprise treatment.